Writing Tips

Get regular writing tips from a professional in the industry—everything from basic writing rules, like "Show, don't Tell" to advanced lessons, like subtext, undercurrents, and point of view penetration. You'll learn writing lessons here you will find nowhere else. Join me and take your writing to the next level. >:)

My Philosophy

I strongly believe in the power that comes from learning to write with intention and control. To me, this often means bringing things we notice from the subconscious experience of reading and writing into the conscious part of the mind, learning how they function, and gaining control over them so that you can give your readers an accurate, powerful reading experience.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Anonymous asked:
I wanna start writing but I have no clue where to start or what to write about and I'm freaked that no one will read it so I don't see the point... I need help!

To begin writing, there are a few basic things every story needs: characters, a setting, and, problems. So those are all good places to start. Who is your character? What problems will he/she face? Where does this take place?

Some ideas for stories seem to pop into writers' heads all on their own, but most often, writers have to seek out the ideas themselves. When you start looking for ideas, you'll find them.

Often writers get "stuck" or get "writer's block" because they haven't brainstormed enough. Take some time to brainstorm. Sometimes all you need to do is sit down with a paper and start listing ideas. If you feel like they aren't coming, try looking at your favorite books, t.v. shows, movies, or, if you're into them, video games. What do you like about them? Was there something in one that inspired you to write? You might want to start there to get inspiration.

For some people, they just need to sit down and start typing. They need to free-write to get ideas. They might need to write something they consider "crap," and it's okay, because they are looking for their story. Once they've found it, they get to writing it for real.

When writers start on a story, they might get "flashes" of ideas for scenes or characters. Write those down. You don't have to work chronologically. If there is a romance scene you really want to write, it's okay to sit down and write it before you've even written chapter one. That might help you get started.

In today's world, there is no reason to worry that no one will read your work. I'm not saying it's easy to get published, but there are plenty of outlets to post your work online. Here are some:FictionPress.comWattPad.comMibba.comStoryWrite.comFigment.comBooksie.com
You can find readers and other writers like yourself there. Also, if you feel comfortable with it, you can ask a friend or family member to read it.

Other than readers, you can write for yourself. I once wrote a whole novel-length story that to this day no one but myself has read. It wasn't a waste of time because I enjoyed it, and I learned from it. Plus, it was a better, healthier use of my time than staring at the t.v. or playing farmville or tweeting for 50 hours.

Helpful Links

September C. Fawkes

Sometimes I scare people with my enthusiasm for writing and reading.

I have worked in the fiction-writing industry for over six years, editing for both award-winning and best-selling authors as well as beginning writers. I am also perpetually writing my own stories. Read about me.

Some may say I need to get a social life. It'd be a lot easier if my fictional one wasn't so interesting.